THE SOUDAN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1199, 20 February 1885, Page 3

THE SOUDAN.

London, February 10. lb is currently reported here to.-day that Genera! Gordon was scabbed while figb - iog was proceeding before the capture of Khartoum, and that he subsequently died of his wounds. It is also stated that fully one-fourth of Gordon’s adherents were massacred by the Mahditea, and that amongst the latter victims were a number of women and children. It is reported at Gabut that General Gordon was killed on the morning of the 27 Ji JanuaryFebruary 11. From particulars to hand regarding the fall of Khartoum, it appears that the gar i son was decoyed out by the rebels at Oildermau to repel a proton ied assault, and as the Pashas opened the gates the Mahdi’a forces .poured in. General Gordon was stabbed while coming down from the palace to rally the faithful troops. A moat merciless massacre of the latter then took place, lasting over many hours. More troops are being despatched from Korti to Gubat. The rescue of Sir Charles Wilson by Lord C. Beresfor l is universally considered to be the pluckiest incident of the campaign. Telegrams from the Soudan state that re* fugees from Khaitoura report that Faragh Pasha opened the gates of Khartoum to the Mahdites on January 26, and that Gordon, rushing out of the palace to ascertain the cause of the commotion, was slain on the threshold. The telegrams also state that j nearly the whole, and not merely a quarter, of Gordon’s adherents and their lamilies were massacred. Nothing of an official character is yet published concerning toe fate of General Gordon. February 12. Lord Wolseley telegraphs that a letter written by the Governor of Berber has been found at the enemy’s camp at Abukaia stating that the WaV.di o iptured hj hartoum on the 26th January, and that General Gordon was killed. Telegrams have been received from Lord Wolseley announcing that a battle has been fought with the enemy at a place opposite Abukaia, on the Nile, about 70 miles above Merawi. The Mahcites attacked the troops under General Earle on both flanks and in front, and a severe engagement ensued, resulting in a complete defeat of the enemy, scarcely any of whom escaped. General Earle, Colonels Eyre and Coventry, and eight men were killed ; four officers including Colonel Wauchope, and 38 men were severely wounded. Lord Wolseley expects to be able to open the way to Berber without further fighting. Colonel Bruckenbury has assumed command of the column in place of General Earle, and will continue to advance to Berber. In the battle the Mahdites are estimated to have numbered 15 000 Further particulars of the battle at Abukaia show that on Tuesday Major general Earle surrounded the Arab position. The Black Watch stormed the rocks, whore some of the enemy had taken up their position. Major-general Earle was killed while lead ing the cavalry which captured the Arab camp. The ILst battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment was engaged storming the High Hills, where an obstinate defence was maintained by the rebels. After five hours’ hard fighting a decisive victory was rained over the Arabs, who lost heavily, their leader and several emirs being killed. The British loss was slight. Colonel Brackenbury has succeeded Majorgeneral Earle. Lord Wolseley arrived at Gubat ou Sunday. The expedition to the Sondau via Souakim has been placed under the command of Lieutenant-general Sir Gmald Graham, with Major-general Sir 6. Greaves as chief of staff. February 13, Lord Wolseley telegraphs that the convoy conveying those wounded in the battle near Abukaia has arrived at Korti. The Indian native troops .under orders for the Soudan consist of four regiments of infantry and one of cavalry. General Sir D. E. Wood has been appointed to succeed General Earle in coto--mand of the ooluniu which is proceeding to

The offer made by' the Government of New South Wales of military assistance for the repression of the Soudan rebellion has favourably impressed the public, and the English Government are gratified at this expression of loyalty by that Colony ; bat it is not considered likely that the offer will be accepted. Korti, February 9, Captain Lord 0. Seres ford succeeded in i rescuing Sir Charles Wilson after a sharp' /lotion with the fort below the Shabukli Cataract, during which a shot from the fort penetrated the boiler of the steamer under his command, but which was successfully repaired under fire. General Gordon was killed while leaving his home in the city. He was betrayed by Parajah Pasha, commander of the Soudanese troops.

Cairo, February 10. Sir Charles Wilson, who was wrecked while returning from Khaitoum to Metemneh, was rescued from the island pa which he was landed near Shabulki cataract, and, with his detachment, has reached Metemneh iu safety. He has since arrived at Korti to confer with Lord Wolseley. SoUAKiM, February 10. News has reached here that Osman Oigma is massing a large force of the Mahdites near Tamai, between this place and Barber. Bombay, February 10. Reinforcements of troops are to be despatched to the Soudan from India. They will consist of Indian native regiments. It is announced that 10,000 men of the Army reserve will shortly be called out for garrison duty in Great Britain. Sydney, February 12 A Cabinet Council held to day decided to make an offer to the Imperial Government to despatch from New South Wales to Su ikim within a month two batteries of artil lory, properly horsed, and a battalion of infantry 500 strong to form part of the expedition to the Soudan. Considerable excitement prevails hero in 1 consequence of the decision of the Government. February 13. In reply to the New South Wales Government, the Imperial authorities state that the offer of troops is fully appreciated, but that operations in the Soudan are likely to be deferred owing to the lateness of the season The offer is, however, under consideration. Several liberal offers of m m y have been made towards the expenses of the proposed New South Wales contingent to the Soudan, expedition. Great enthusiasm is being shown by the local Volunteers at the prospect of active service. Melbourne, February 12. Universal sorrow is shown at the death of General Gordon. The fia.a on public and other buildings are at half-mast. Mr Seivice, the Premier, Ins wired the New South Wales Government that if its offer of troops for the Soudan is coopted Victoria is prepared to follow suit. London, February 15. The Observer to day states that it has been decided to accept the offer of New South Wales troops for the Soudan, and it is expected that the Queen will personally indicate her high estimation of the generous off r of that Colony. The New South Wales Government having agreed to pay all the expenses in connection with their offer of men for the Sou ian, the English Government have accepted the ser ices of the contingent. Out of compliment to Victoria the Marquis of Harlingcon laid the offer of men for a similar purpose made by that Colony bifore the Cabinet, but the offer has been declined. Tiie Queen has personally indicated her high appreciation of the generous and spontaneous offer of assistance by New South Wales iu the repression of the Soudan rebellion February 16. The announcement made by the Observer that the Imperial Government bad a. copied the services of the New South Wales troops in Egypt is officially confirmed A messenger who left Khartoum on February 2 declares that the city has nit beau captured by the rebels. Canada has ma lo fresh offers to England of troops for the Soudan. Lor i Wolseley telegraphs that an eyewitness states that the rebels entered Khartoum on the 26th January, and that General Gordon was killed by a volley from the invading troops when, he was going to the Austrian Consulate. The offer of further asssistanoe made by the Canadian Government for the repression of the Soudan rebellion has been accepted by the Imperial Government. The Victorian Government have asked f >r detai's regarding the refusal of assista ce from Victoria. The Press generally eulogises the action of the Colonies in the matter. The Times sates that the British soldiers should welcome those from the Colonies, and suggests that the Queen should present them with a s andard. The owners of the steamer Australasian off Tel that steamer for the purpose of con voyiugthe New South Wales contingent to the Soudan. Several o r her shipovvneia made inquiries with the view of assisting in the conveyance of the troops.

February 17. The Marquis of Hartington has not rep iod to an offer of assistance in the .Soudan made by South Australia. Authorirics on the subject (?) are protest iug against the laying of a line of railway to Berber. Osman Dignri is fortifying his position at Tatnsui. Cairo, February 16. In compliance with the request of Lord Wolseloy, Prince Hassan, brother to the Khedive, has been appointed Governor of the Soudan. He proceeds forthwith to Korti, where ho will assume command of the Egyptian troops. February 17 Major-general Buller, in charge of the column at Meteraneh, telegraphs that the Royal Irish Regiment reached Gubat on the 1 It.h hist. An eyewitness of the capture of Khartoum by the rebels states that after the death of Gordon and his party no fighting took place and that no women or children were killed, but that the Mahdites sacked Khartoum. Sydney, February 16. The acceptance of the Colony’s off r of troops for Egypt has evoked extraordinary enthusiasm. Only one battery of artillery is, however, required. The Agent-genera! wires that the force must he placed absolutely under the orders of the general commanding, and that it must call at Aden for instructions. The local Press comments favourably on the splendid offer of the Orient Company’s steamer Iberia, which is to be ready by tbo 23th in;?t to convey the men. A patriotic fund has been established, and numerous offers of men and mouey are forthcoming. The propno-ors of the Sydney Morning Herald and Eoenlng Hews each give LIOOO towards the Patriotic Kn.id, and a similar amount has been subscribed by Sir Daniel Cooper. Colonel Richardson, commandant of the New South Wales forces, will take command of the local contingent for the Soudan. Lieut-colonel Ragora remains in charge hero. The troops will embark on the 3rd prox. for the Soudan.

February 17. This Governor received a telegram to-day from Lord Wolseley, rta ed Soudan, February 17, in which his Lordship says : “ Please inform troops opining here that 1 look for ward with pride to the honour of having Australian soldiers under my command in the field.’* The arrangements for the despatch of the troops are progressing favourably. In addition to the Iberia steamer, the Australa sian will probably be chartered as a transport The enrolment of the force is nearly completed; It will consist in all of 734 officers and men, and 201) horses, Melbourne, February 17. The Viotorian Government have offered 700 men, consisting of the Naval Brigade and Mounted Infantry, for service in the Soudan, If the Imperial Government accepts the offer. Parliament will be summoned to ratify it. . ;

Adelaide, February 17. The South Australian Government have offered 250 men for service in the Soudan.